Adenomyosis
Einstein Health Glossary
ICD 10 - N80.0
What is adenomyosis?
Adenomyosis occurs when the endometrium (the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus) grows into the myometrium (the muscle of the uterus).
What are the signs?
The most common symptoms are heavy menstrual bleeding, which may be associated with intense menstrual cramps.
Causes
The causes of adenomyosis are unknown.
Are there “types”? If so, what are they?
Focal adenomyosis: when this change is located in a specific region of the myometrium, forming nodules similar to uterine fibroids.
Diffuse adenomyosis: when the change is present throughout the entire myometrium.
What to do?
Women who experience heavy menstrual bleeding and severe menstrual cramps should consult a gynecologist for evaluation, as these symptoms may be associated with other conditions such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis can be made using transvaginal ultrasound or pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Prevention? Is it possible?
There is no known way to prevent the development of adenomyosis.
Treatment
Symptom control can be achieved with contraceptives in their various forms and methods of administration (oral, injectable, intrauterine device). However, the definitive treatment is the removal of the uterus (hysterectomy).